Anonymous wrote:when i was single any my family lived in another country, I would do my favorite take out then head to a movhhhhie with a big bucket of popcorn and candy.It was a ritual for a few years. FYI I was not the only on in the theater doing that!

Many years back when I used to get out while the kids were in school, a giant bucket of extra buttered and salted popcorn and a giant mixed drink from the cool thing in the movie theater where they let you do that ... that was my escape. US based

I weighed a lot more in those days, though. And one time because I was trying to cut the walk to my car "closer" I ended up getting the route longer because movie theaters disorient you. I went out the wrong exit door. I was once a much heavier person just trying to find my way to my mom minivan still trying to hold my giant half bucket of popcorn and what was left of my giant drink.

This has to have been 15 plus years ago but I still remember each breath and trying to hold onto that popcorn and drink

Anonymous wrote:Christmas Eve I usually would go to church and enjoy a "treat" meal I normally wouldn't eat. I'd watch something fun on TV and try to go to bed early. Christmas morning I'd get up, make a nice cup of tea and a fire. Read a book on the couch in front of the fire. When it warms up, take a long walk. Eat leftovers from the previous night's dinner. Go to the movies. Call family. Chinese food for dinner. Go to bed early again.

I want so say this is so charming all on its own, but I'm only coming up with the 1st act to a holiday script where your primary character, having resigned themselves to a holiday alone meets someone at the chinese restaurant

PS they can also meet someone at any other ethnic restaurant in late 2025 and get completely different acts to the rest of the movie

when i was single any my family lived in another country, I would do my favorite take out then head to a movie with a big bucket of popcorn and candy.It was a ritual for a few years. FYI I was not the only on in the theater doing that!

Anonymous wrote:We are going out drinking.

So you won’t be by yourself. Unless you are talking about yourself and your several personalities in the plural.

We are going out drinking.

Go to a Midnight Mass no matter what your religion is. Sleep late. People usually go out Christmas night, see if there’s entertainment near you. Or zone out with movies.

Thinking of you, OP. Wish I knew you as there is always room for one more at our table.

What about a hotel overlooking the Baltimore harbor or Annapolis?

No one has mentioned volunteering. This would get you out of the house, with other people, not focused on yourself, and reorients your perspective. Google and see if you can find something in your area.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Do nothing. I’ve been there OP and the best part was when it was over. I survived and I felt good about myself. I enjoyed my own company.

Thank you. Honestly I’ve had so much alone time in this marriage, it’s hard to enjoy. But I appreciate your post and will try.

OP; I fear my marriage is falling a part and your thread has me in tears. I think I would leave if I didn't have to "risk" being alone on the holidays. That fact is very telling, isn't it.

Hugs, kisses, I wish I could buy you a mocktail/cocktail.

Merry Christmas OP.

Maybe find a group that wants to go singing Christmas carols or whatever your special interest may be. See a local Christmas production at a regular venue or school. Wrap presents for charity wherever that takes place.

Look up activities on meetup.com. Some are online. It’s not a dating website. It’s for social events, sports, all kinds of meetings for various reasons. You may stumble upon a new hobby or activity.

Anonymous wrote:Nothing. Do nothing. I’ve been there OP and the best part was when it was over. I survived and I felt good about myself. I enjoyed my own company.

Thank you. Honestly I’ve had so much alone time in this marriage, it’s hard to enjoy. But I appreciate your post and will try.

Nothing. Do nothing. I’ve been there OP and the best part was when it was over. I survived and I felt good about myself. I enjoyed my own company.

I like the cinnamon rolls idea.

Going on long hikes with my dog is the best.
Yoga.
Read a book I’ve long delayed.
Make a recipe that sounds interesting.
Church.
Foot soak.